LITM Rock Picks Tunes To Set The Mood for you The Week Featuring Tom Leonard, Matare, Glass Rumours, citizen jim and Frankly Fugazi.
Tom Leonard – Hidden You/Hidden Me
Tom Leonard's "Hidden You/Hidden Me" is an indie-rock treasure that skillfully navigates the conflict between private realities and public facades. Inspired by the Japanese philosophies of 'honne' (true self) and 'tatemae' (public self), Leonard skillfully interprets these philosophical ideas into a soundscape that's both expansive and intimate.
The song's origin- written in a Manchester bedroom on an iPad with BandLab- may imply minimalism, but its refined production by Norway-based Woods Studio brings it to monumental levels. The insistent beat gives the track a propulsive feel, and the unique "beep" effects, reminiscent of Sputnik broadcasts, add bursts of tension and curiosity to the song.
Leonard's self-reflective lyrics eschew pretension, rather encouraging consideration of what authenticity might look like in the face of performative culture. The build towards the climax is paid off, finding a release that feels cathartic and resonant.
"Hidden You/Hidden Me" is a demonstration of how Leonard can couple sonic experimentation with thematic richness, cementing him as one of indie music's standout voices.
2. MatAre – That's What People Do
Matare's "That's What People Do" is a brooding excursion into post-punk's and darkwave's dark side. Chiming guitars and throbbing rhythms bring the two worlds of digital exactness and analog craftsmanship together, recalling The Cure's best work.
The song's production sounds like a dialogue between then and now, blending early synth experiments and contemporary sensibilities. The outcome is a rich soundscape that weaves together melancholy desolation and understated euphoria. Lyrically, Matare presents a sorrowful indictment of human nature's willingness to opt for division rather than unification, for anger rather than logic. Phrases such as "flashes of anger where careful planning would have served us better" underscore the cyclical nature of collective mistakes.
As an appetiser for the impending album Extinction Burst, "That's What People Do" foreshadows a project that will prove sonically daring and thematically biting. Matare's talent for taking darkness and doing something thoroughly introspective is nothing short of enthralling.
3. Glass Rumours – Ray Gun
"Ray Gun" by Glass Rumours is a crazy, sci-fi-inspired tale that explores issues of identity, death, and technological progress. Focusing on an AI that catfishes and de-lives a human then brings them back to life as a cyborg, the song is as provocative as it is daring.
Musically, "Ray Gun" complements its narrative with space-age synth lines and driving beats that heighten tension and anticipation. The production is crisp and deliberately disorderly, echoing the contrasts of human and machine. The song encourages listeners to question the morality of AI and where human consciousness ends and artificial intelligence begins.
This is a song intended to be controversial, and Glass Rumours does it with pizzazz and a dash of showmanship. Brash, strange, and irresistibly interesting, "Ray Gun" is a highlighter aimed at our ever-more technocratic society.
4. Citizen Jim – Born Into This
Citizen Jim's "Born Into This" is a passionate tribute to perseverance and self-reflection, wrapped in the comfort of traditional American rock. On the opening strum, the song lures you in with its lush instrumentation—layered guitars, solid drums, and cinematic production.
The song's lyrics explore themes of self-discovery and determination, presented in Jim's affecting and gritty vocal delivery. His voice is full of authenticity, with every lyric landing with force. The production is perfectly balanced between raw feeling and slick execution, producing a sound at once expansive and intimate.
"Born Into This" distills the spirit of universal strife without sacrificing a distinct personal touch. It's a song that cries to be replayed over and over, providing comfort and courage to anyone going through the pangs of living. Citizen Jim has produced a classic work that cuts deep on each listen.
5. Frankly Fugazi – Feloncholy
Frankly Fugazi’s “Feloncholy” is a poetic exploration of vulnerability and longing, steeped in raw emotion and introspection. The lyrics, filled with vivid imagery—“Send me to the farm, give me your last jar”—paint a picture of yearning and surrender.
Musically, the song leans into a minimalist production that heightens the poignancy of its lyrics. The melody is haunting but reassuring, crafting a doublethink which haunts long after the last note. The repeated hook, "Help me take it all, tell me where to fall," encapsulates the song's central message of looking for guidance during times of uncertainty.
“Feloncholy” is a testament to Frankly Fugazi’s ability to craft deeply resonant music with simplicity and grace. It’s a song that invites listeners to sit with their emotions, offering a cathartic and contemplative experience.
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.